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Inside Bing Crosby’s Thunderbird Heights home – complete with John F. Kennedy’s Wing

The Cali mountain retreat was a regular haunt of the former President – now it’s on the market

Bing Crosby Estate with John F. Kennedy Wing
(Image credit: Kristofer Magenheim)

Bing Crosby’s mid-century modern home in Thunderbird Heights is currently listed for $4.5 million. The estate, which stretches across 1.36 acres of California’s mountainous neighborhood, was a favorite of President John F. Kennedy, who had his own private living quarters in the home. 

Singer, actor, and comedian Bing Crosby is amongst the first American multimedia stars. He is best known for his starring roles in White Christmas, Holiday Inn, and Going My Way

As an avid golfer, he spent much of his time on Thunderbird Heights’ courses alongside JFK (who had a seven handicap). 

With its relationship to the former President – and one of the most recognized faces of the 20th century – this estate is one of the most exciting listings in California and one of the world’s best homes. Here we tour the ranch-style property. 

Bing Crosby Estate with John F. Kennedy Wing

(Image credit: Kristofer Magenheim)

Constructed in 1957, Bing Crosby’s home combines indoor and outdoor living and entertaining in one of the most vibrant postcodes in California. The 6,700-square-foot home boasts six bedrooms and six bathrooms, including the attached casita – named after the 35th U.S. President.

Bing Crosby Estate with John F. Kennedy Wing

(Image credit: Kristofer Magenheim)

The home, where JFK allegedly stayed with Marilyn Monroe, exhibits custom Moroccan wood entry doors, a formal dining room, and a living space that overlooks Coachella Valley. It has upheld its retro aesthetic and continues to celebrate mid-century modernity with its vibrant soft furnishings and art-deco style doors.

Bing Crosby Estate with John F. Kennedy Wing

(Image credit: Kristofer Magenheim)

The main home is a trove of decorating ideas that pay homage to its SoCal roots – from its chic gray and gold color scheme – to the glass walls that allow for indoor/outdoor living. Beyond the main living space, the home exhibits chef kitchen ideas with its granite island and stainless steel light fixtures that illuminate the space. 

Bing Crosby Estate with John F. Kennedy Wing

(Image credit: Kristofer Magenheim)

The kitchen also flows into the garden, where there is an additional outdoor kitchen and bar on the fringe of the swimming pool. The outdoor space showcases urban garden ideas with a twist – featuring a large patio and outdoor living area that maintains the home’s retro style. 

Bing Crosby Estate with John F. Kennedy Wing

(Image credit: Kristofer Magenheim)

Upstairs, the home boasts views across Joshua Tree’s mountains and the famous Coachella Valley – home to one of the most famous music festivals in the world. These views come as standard in Thunderbird Heights, which is one of the most coveted spots for celebrity vacation homes in Southern California.

Bing Crosby Estate with John F. Kennedy Wing

(Image credit: Kristofer Magenheim)

David Emerson and Alexandra Trejo of Compass, and David Emerson & Associates, Palm Springs, hold the listing. Photos courtesy of TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.  

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.